Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Seattle is 65% more expensive than Gresham.

$1,998/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 25%
$121,984/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 28%
741,440
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $48,376/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Gresham — common questions

Is Seattle or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Gresham?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Gresham?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $48,376/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Oregon?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Gresham

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach